Vacations don’t have to cost exorbitant amounts. When you plan a getaway to Gulf Shores, there will be plenty of activity options that don’t cost a thing! Below, we’ll dive into the many free things to do in Gulf Shores that you can add to a vacation itinerary, including beach fun, nature trails, local parks, and more.
Free Beach Access in Gulf Shores
We’ve never seen the reason for charging money to get on the beach, as you will see when you visit the beaches in our area, including Gulf Shores Public Beach and Gulf State Park Beach. Both offer white sands, blue waters, and sunsets that will take your breath away, and neither will cost you a penny to visit.
Gulf Shores Public Beach
The brilliant white sands of Gulf Shores Public Beach are made primarily of quartz washed down from the Appalachian Mountains. Framing our clear, turquoise waters, they are a major reason our area has become such a popular vacation destination. Swimming and sunbathing are free things to do in Gulf Shores, but if you are in the mood to spend a little money, dolphin cruises and fishing pretty much everywhere but Gulf Place are more ways to enjoy your day at Gulf Shores Public Beach.
Gulf State Park Beach
Gulf State Park is home to the Gulf State Park Pier, one of the longest piers on the Gulf. Fishing from the pier is a popular activity, but the fishing license and daily fishing permit do cost money. The beach itself is absolutely free and stretches out just over 3.5 miles long. It’s usually less crowded than Gulf Shores Public Beach.
Free Nature Trails and Scenic Spots
It’s hard to go anywhere in Gulf Shores without seeing a view so beautiful it will take your breath away, and the nature trails that traverse the area will bring you to some of the best views in all of Gulf Shores. Hiking the trails, hanging out in refuges, and exploring lagoons are some more things to do for free in Gulf Shores.
Gulf State Park Trails
There are more than 28 miles of trails in Gulf State Park, known as the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, connecting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. As you hike along these wonderful trails, you will encounter nine different ecosystems and 6150 acres of acres of pristine wilderness. The trail itself is ADA accessible, easy but sometimes considered moderate due to its length.
Little Lagoon
Created from a combination of freshwater and saltwater, the Little Lagoon provides a fascinating mix of species inhabiting the waters. It also provides the perfect spot for beginning kayakers or paddleboarders, and its shallow waters enable parents of small children to feel safe while their children wade. Mo’s Landing Park offers a free boat launch if kayaking is something you are interested in trying, and this body of water is also a great fishing spot with speckled trout, flounder, redfish, and large croakers being the frequent catch.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Not every wildlife refuge will be free to enter during your travels, but Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge has no entry fee. Offering a safe harbor for wildlife of many different species, including beach mice, sea turtles, and birds, visitors can also see alligators that make Gator Lake their home. Its Pine Beach Trail is a popular out-and-back trail that is just 3.5 miles long, and its maritime forest, featuring live oaks draped with moss, is centuries old and provides a stunning photo backdrop.
Free Water Fun Beyond the Beach
You don’t always have to go to the beach for a day of swimming, especially as your Poole & Associates seaside sanctuary will offer either a community pool or a private pool, depending on which rental you choose to make your own. Swimming is one of the most popular things to do for free in Gulf Shores, AL, and some free swimming spots can be found below.
- Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park
- Little Lagoon in Lagoon Pass Park
- Wolf Creek Park in nearby Elberta
Free Fishing Spots
As mentioned above, fishing does require the purchase of a fishing license (and occasionally additional passes) if you are over the age of 16. The spots below won’t cost you anything, so grab your gear and a cooler and plan for a day of fun in the sun as you catch your dinner for the evening.
- Perdido Pass Seawall Park in Orange Beach
- McMillan Fort Morgan Fishing Pier
Free Family-Friendly Activities
In addition to all the free things to do in Gulf Shores that are listed above, families will discover that our coastal town is family friendly, offering a number of free activities that will help save your budget.
Free Playgrounds and Parks
A day at the park with young children can be one of those idyllic occasions without fights or tears, and the parks listed here are free of charge.
Kids Park, 348 W 19th Avenue
Open daily until dusk, Kids Park offers a giant play area that is built to look like a castle. We have many fond memories of watching our own kids run wild on the fabulous structure.
- Address: 348 W 19th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Lake Shelby Playground
We’ve mentioned Lake Shelby a couple of times now on this page, so you might want to plan on spending the entire day here, playing for free! Its playground offers swings for babies as well as for older children, and a climbing structure and other playground equipment will keep your kids occupied. It is fenced in for safety.
- Address: 20110 AL-135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Shelling
Shelling is our favorite free thing to do in Gulf Shores or in any beach town that we visit. Collecting shells is a twofold way of saving money, as it costs nothing to do and the shells we pick up make fantastic free souvenirs. Fort Morgan beaches offer wonderful shelling opportunities, as does the aptly named Shell Beach, located just east of the Perdido Pass Bridge. Visitors can stop by the Gulf Shores Welcome Center on Highway 59 and pick up a free shelling bag and brochure before starting their shelling adventures.
Stay Close to Free Things to Do in Gulf Shores in Our Vacation Rentals
Every free thing to do in Gulf Shores will just give you more reasons to be happy with your choice of a coastal Alabama vacation. Contact us today to book one of our summer rentals in Gulf Shores and enjoy a coastal escape!
Traveling to the Alabama Coast is a year-round option for adventurers to enjoy but when you’re looking forward to quality time with the family, summer is an amazing season to embrace the best this area has to offer. From amazing shorelines and exciting activities to check out, there’s no shortage of fun for families traveling with little ones of all ages and interests! The following are just a few of the many summer activities on the Alabama Coast to add to your itinerary this year when a family-friendly summer getaway is a top priority.
Bask Under the Sun on the Beach
A highlight of nearly every family getaway to the Alabama Coast in the summer is time well-spent on scenic shorelines! Travelers of all ages will find the sugar-white sands across Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and more endlessly tantalizing and offering up days of fun to be enjoyed. In total, the Gulf Coast of Alabama hosts over 32 miles of beaches to check out, meaning there’s no shortage of options when it comes to summertime family entertainment outdoors. Little ones will love building sandcastles and searching for seashells while families with older kids in tow will find that options like boogie boarding, snorkeling, and swimming make for an unforgettable day of adventure too!
Give Parasailing a Try
If your family happens to be the type with a passion for adrenaline-pumping fun and you’re looking for a new perspective on the Alabama Coast this summer, booking a parasailing adventure is just the ticket. This activity is thrilling and offers family members a bird’s eye view of breathtaking terrain! There are a variety of local companies that offer parasailing adventures for families with gear equipped to handle up to three passengers at a time in some cases. Southern Rose Parasailing and Dolphin Cruises is a great starting point when you’re looking to add this summer fun activity to your Alabama Coast itinerary.
Make the Most of Mini-Golf
While the Alabama Coast is adorned with delightful and world-class golf courses for enthusiasts to check out this time of year, a family-focused adventure is always made memorable when you make time for a round of mini-golf that everyone can participate in! Mini-golf is a great choice for families traveling this way with kids of all ages. Those who are setting their travel sights more around Gulf Shores will find that a round or two at Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf is always a delight. Spending more time around Orange Beach? Be sure to check out Beachside Mini Golf or Adventure Island. Both options are worth your while and make for a great way to incorporate a bit of friendly competition into your family getaway as well.
Stroll The Wharf
When amusement park-style fun paired with epic scenery is exactly your family’s style, time spent strolling The Wharf this summer is sure to please. This boardwalk and beachfront attraction is a great place to enjoy time people watching, restaurant hopping, and of course, making the most of the thrills and rides as well. A ride around the Ferris Wheel is always an exciting option to add to the lineup of activities while taking in a concert at the on-site amphitheater is just as fun. The Wharf is also home to movie theaters, game rooms, and an arcade for those traveling with kids who can’t wait to incorporate a little screen time into the day as well. If you stick around until after the sun goes down, you can enjoy the nightly laser show that’s put on at this beloved destination during the summer months.
Cast a Line in Coastal Style
Many families bond over time spent casting a line in the summer and if you’re heading toward the Alabama Coast, you’ll have plenty of options to keep that tradition alive and well. Consider heading over to the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier with a pole and line in hand to make the most of a day of fun under the sun. This pier offers plenty of space to settle in and enjoy seeing what you reel in. There’s a bait shop nearby as well so you don’t have to worry about having everything with you upon arrival. Looking to get out on open water alongside a professional guide and see what you can catch? Booking a charter experience is the way to go. Both Island Marine Charters and Gulf Shores Fishing are good options to consider when you’re ready to book your on-the-water experience!
Book your Getaway Today and Enjoy Summer Activities on the Alabama Coast
Making the most of summer fun is easy to do when you set your travel sights on the Alabama Coast. Enjoying the luxury and style to match is just as simple for those who book a vacation rental through Poole & Associates. Reach out today to learn more about ourincredible options and to start planning your summer adventure for Father’s Day, a school summer vacation, or more!